Economy Archive June 2023

The hydrographic survey will reveal a detailed sea bottom profile of the approach to Noro, Noro Port and an extended area covering Diamond Narrows and Munda Bar providing precious maritime safety information.

Hydrographic Survey Begins in Noro

A hydrographic survey in Noro and the adjacent sea area is currently being conducted under the JICA’s Technical Cooperation project for Development Planning.
Despite the challenges, work on the pilot track is making good progress with excavation works now reaching 2.54km/2.73km to the dam site and 1.10km/1.50km to the power station.

Work on Access Roads to the Tina Hydropower Sites Progressing Well

Construction works on the access roads to the Tina River Hydropower Development Project (TRHDP) dam site (Lot 2-2) and power station (Lot 3-1) is progressing, despite initial delays which included clearance of the final set of Construction Environment & Social Management Plans (C-ESMPs), difficult terrain conditions and bad weather.
The Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles MP and Solomon Islands Prime Minister Sogavare, discussed the breadth and depth of the Solomon Islands-Australia partnership, and the importance of the Pacific family.

Sogavare and Australian Deputy Prime Minister Hold Successful Meeting

Prime Minister Hon. Manasseh Sogavare MP had a successful bilateral meeting with the Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, Richard Marles.
“With our partners and through the generosity of our passengers, we hope to support the hardworking staff at Pikinini Referral Clinic to provide care for the children,” said Solomon Airlines CEO, Mr Gus Kraus.

Solomon Airlines Launches Children's Charity Project

Solomon Airlines has launched the LAEFLAEN “Wings of Change” Children's charity project.
The CDF Reform Taskforce within the Ministry finalised the CDF Legislative Reform ‘Drafting Instructions’ (DI) in a recent meeting.

Drafting Instructions for New CDF Law Ready for Submission

The Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) is preparing to submit ‘Drafting Instructions’ to the Attorney General’s Chamber (AGC) for the conception of a new regulation to govern the administration of Constituency Development Fund (CDF).
The review is funded by the Pacific Adaptation to Climate Change and Resilience Building (PACRES) project, managed by SPREP and the World Bank through its Catastrophe Deferred Drawdown (Cat-DDO) Policy reform support program.

National Climate Change Policy Review Concluded

The Climate Change Division with support from the Pacific Adaptation to Climate and Resilience Building (PACRES) and the World Bank have completed the National Stakeholders Consultation for the review of the Solomon Islands National Climate Change Policy.
Officials from the Ministry of Lands and MUPG Executive and Senior Managers in Kirakira.

Ministry of Lands Delegation Visit Makira

A delegation from the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey is visiting Makira Ulawa Province at the invitation of the Provincial Government to discuss key MUPG land reform policies and local planning scheme for the Kirakira and Huro stations.
To date, Solomon Islands has 5,152 workers in Australia and more than 938 in New Zealand, a total of 6,090 workers who are now overseas in both Labour Mobility Programs.

Labor Mobility Scheme Celebrates Milestone

Solomon Islands has reached a record number of workers sent to Australia and New Zealand under the Pacific-Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme and the Recognized Seasonal Employer Scheme (RSE).
Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Hon. Jeremiah Manele and the Ambassador of Japan to the Solomon Islands, His Excellency Miwa Yoshiaki after the signing of the agreement for the improvement of Kilu’ufi Hospital.

Solomons and Japan Sign Grant Assistance to Improve Kiluúfi Hospital

The Governments of Solomon Islands and Japan have signed an Exchange of Notes and Grant Agreement for a project to implement the expansion and improvement of the Kilu’ufi hospital on Malaita Province.
The 150 damaged blood bags were discarded immediately after and the hospital had already gone ahead to address the situation.

Health Responds to “Blood Supply Crisis”

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) has released a statement to reassure the public over the “Blood Supply Crisis” raised through various media platforms.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade’s, Trade Commissioner, Barrett Salato (Right) with Andrew Coldbeck of The Job Shop and PLF Labour Mobility Engagement Manager- SI, David Ramosaea.

The Job Shop Looks to Recruit Workers

Australian Company, The Job Shop was in the Solomon Islands last week to recruit workers to pick Mangoes on the Northern Territory in Australia.
A private boat from Poitete police provided assistance to transfer people who drift to the police stabbi first craft.

Six People Rescued at Sea

This week, officers of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) rescued six people who drifted at sea between Kolobangara and Choiseul.
The team held two SIART Project awareness sessions at Uru uru and Sulagwalu community in Lau and Mbaelelea Constituency.

World Bank Team Visits Suava Bay and Auki

The World Bank Implementation support mission team to the Solomon Islands Agriculture and Rural Transformation (SIART) project recently paid a visit to the Auki and Suava Bay Economic Growth Centre.
The new Pacific Australia Labour Mobility Approved Employer Deed and Guidelines were amongst the topic of discussions.

Australian Employers Hold Consultations with Government

A team from the Approved Employers of Australia are currently in Honiara as part of consultations with the Solomon Islands government.
Effective immediately Solomon Airlines passengers can book flights to and from Auckland via the airline’s website and all booking channels.

Solomon Airlines Opens Auckland Route

Solomon Airlines has now established a codeshare agreement with neighbouring Air Vanuatu, enabling both airlines to sell seats on a new flight between Port Vila and Auckland.
Malaita's Premier, Fini stressed the importance of the refresher training, especially for officers who did not receive training at the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM).

Fisheries Ministry Conduct Training in Malaita

A team from the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) are in Auki, Malaita Province to conduct a refresher training for seconded fisheries officers attached to the provincial government.
H.E. Most Rev. Peter Houhou will now be looking after the Diocese of Gizo.

Pope Francis Appoints Most Rev. Peter Houhou as Bishop of Gizo Diocese

His Holiness, Pope Francis has appointed H.E. Most Rev. Peter Houhou as the current Bishop of the Diocese of Auki and as the successor of Rev. Luciano Capelli to the Diocese of Gizo.
The PAU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Teatulohi, Prime Minister, Hon. Sogavare, Dr. Clyde Puilingi and Minister for Education Hon. Lanelle Tanangada.

PAU Offers Partnership with Government

Papua New Guinea based Pacific Adventist University (PAU) a tertiary institution operated by the South Pacific Division of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church has offered collaboration and partnership with the Solomon Islands Government.
The workshop serves as a valuable Forum for Government Officials, private sector representatives, kava producers and exporters to discuss Non- Tariff Measures and the potential of Kava, particularly as an export product for Solomon Islands.

MSG Workshop Shines Light on Kava Export

A two days National workshop on the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Green Trade Project and the Pacific Regional Integration Support (PRISE) Programme on Non-Tariff Measures (NTMs) and International Trade Promotions is currently underway in Honiara.
The refurbishment and upgrade of Honiara Airport’s Runway is one part of the project that is being financed by the World Bank through the International Development Association (IDA).

Upgrades to Henderson Runway to Commence Soon

The Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2), implemented by the Solomon Islands Government, with support from the World Bank, is set to begin upgrades for the Honiara International Airport runway.
The one-week workshop that was held at CBSI was facilitated by Mr Vikas Pandey, who is Debt Systems Development Officer of The Commonwealth Secretariat, London Office.

CBSI Collaborates with Commonwealth to Enhance Debt Management

The Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) along with the Commonwealth Secretariate successfully completed a week-long workshop focused on improving Solomon Islands debt management in terms of the processes and systems currently used in the country.
In the Solomon Islands alone, SPBD has provided more than 30,500 loans worth SBD $163.6 million..

SPBD Celebrates Significant Milestone

SPBD Microfinance, the leading microfinance network dedicated to empowering women microentrepreneurs across the South Pacific, proudly announces a significant milestone in its journey.
"We must commend the diligent effort of our government, through the oversight committee and the men and women at the frontline that enabled our nation to mitigate through the period of public emergency with courage, foresight and selfless commitment."

Sir Vunagi Commends Government Efforts Against Covid 19

The Governor General Sir David Vunagi has commended the National Government and its front line workers for ensuring the country remains safe and afloat regardless of the onslaught of COVID-19 in the past three years.
SICCI is planning to work closely with key partners of the project to to link youths who are part of the project to businesses that contributes to the country’s economic development.

SICCI to Support 40 Youths with Internship Programme

Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) has the potential to play a role in facilitating internships for aspiring youths who are potential employees to its business members through the Pacific Youth Engagement, Empowerment and Economic Pathways (PYEEEP) Project – Solomon Islands.
The project is designed to strengthen national systems and the national bodies supporting youth-based policies and activities to supplement conventional approaches within the formal education system.

New Project Launched to Empower Youth Not Engaged in Education, Employment or Training

The Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs (MWYCFA) and the Pacific Community (SPC) launched a three-year pilot project in the Solomon Islands which gives an exciting opportunity for 40 young people to re-engage in education and training to gain important skills for a better future.
To date the project has achieved training trainers in sign language, producing 1,000 sign language books and distributed 300 posters to schools, clinics and churches to improve public knowledge of basic sign language.

Sign Language Trainers Acknowledged

Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) congratulates the 16 sign language trainers who were awarded a certificate of recognition for their work to provide basic sign language training to 498 school children and community members across Guadalcanal, Malaita, and Western Province.
Elmah Abel of Niu Organics sorting through coconuts at the mill in East New Britain Province, Papua New Guinea.

Coconut and Kava Markets to Receive Boost through Pacific Based Business

A new initiative to support and strengthen the kava and coconut industries in Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea, respectively, was being launched by SPC, in partnership with the International Trade Centre (ITC).
“We need strategies and initiatives that are adaptable to the uncertainty of climate change on our fisheries. I would like to urge you all not to be complacent of our fine collective efforts towards our tuna fisheries.”

Sogavare Commends PNA for Sustainable Management of Tuna Fisheries

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has highly commended the Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA) group of nations for its tremendous leadership in ensuring the region’s tuna stocks are managed and sustainably harvested and for providing economic and social benefits to its people since the Organization’s inception.
Recognizing the pressing need for adequate water storage facilities in Wagina, Solomon Ports stepped forward to contribute to the community’s welfare by donating five 5000-liter water tanks.

Solomon Ports Funds Water Tanks for Wagina Parish

Solomon Ports is pleased to announce the generous donation towards the Wagina Parish in Choiseul Province.
The Yellow-Bibbed Lory is a beautiful parrot endemic to the Solomon Islands and is protected under the Law.

New Direction in Environmental Law Enforcement to Protect Wildlife

Representatives from national authorities explored new directions for enforcing the laws to protect wildlife species in the Solomon Islands from illegal exploitation and trade.
The Solomon Islands tuna fisheries sector is one of the highest employment provider -employing more than 3,000 people and more than SB$300 millions to the Government Revenue annually.

SolTuna and NFD Celebrates 50th Anniversary

The Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Hon. Nestor Ghiro has congratulated the SolTuna and the NFD during celebrations marking the 50th Anniversary of the country’s Tuna Industry in Noro.
With growing concerns, the company is looking at avenues to stop potential workers who continue to practice the habit of chewing betel-nut.

Australian Employer Raises Betelnut Concern

A major Australian company involved in the recruitment of Solomon Islanders under the Australia Pacific Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme has raised concerns over the use of Betel- nut by workers under its establishments.
The construction of standpipes, a tank and a pipeline project is funded by Australia and now supplies water to 345 people in Mwanihuki, providing the community with reliable access to water and improved sanitation.

Australian High Commissioner Visits Project Sites in Makira

On the second day of his visit to Makira-Ulawa Province, High Commissioner Rod Hilton handed over a water source project at Mwanihuki village in Central Makira.
Health workers in the Central Province were refreshed on key concepts of gender-based violence such as gender and sex role, power and control, human rights, consent and consequences of violence.

Health Workers Trained on Violence Against Women and Children

A four days training to enhance capacity of Central Islands Province Health care workers and stakeholders to effectively respond to violence against women and children has come to a successful close.
The Ireland Fellows Programme – SIDS is one of a number of commitments set out in the Irish Government’s Strategy for Partnership with Small Island Developing States, launched in June 2019.

Irish Fellowship Program 2024/2025 Soon to Open

Ireland is once again offering two fully funded Fellowships to the Pacific region for Masters level studies in Ireland in the academic year 2024/2025, of which Solomon Islands is amongst those eligible.
A two-member team from JBS Primo paid a courtesy visit to the Trade Commissioner in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Barrett Salato and the Labour Mobility Engagement Manager- Solomon Islands of the Pacific Labour Facility, David Ramosaea.

Australia's Largest Meat Manufacturer in Country to Recruit Workers

Australia’s largest meat and food processing company, JBS Primo is in the Solomon Islands to conduct recruitment under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme.
Following a thorough investigation that spanned seven months, SINU has now suspended five staff members implicated in the alleged fraudulent practices.

SINU Suspends Five Staff Members Amid Allegations of Fraud

The Vice Chancellor of the Solomon Islands National University (SINU), Professor Transform Aqorau, has taken decisive action in response to allegations of fraud activities involving printing by Wakaman Inc by suspending five Staff of the University.
Launched yesterday, M-SELEN provides a hassle-free solution for sending money to anyone, anywhere, at any time. Unlike the time-consuming and risky traditional methods of the past, M-SELEN is easy, safe, and instant.

Our Telekom Powers Up M-Selen

Our Telekom made history for financial inclusion in the Solomon Islands as Our Telekom launches its highly anticipated Mobile Money Service, M-SELEN.
Due to Covid, making limited access to health care, the vaccination rate for Measles and Rubella stands at 51%, lower than the targeted rate of 95%.

Health Prepares for Nation Wide Vaccination of Measles and Rubella

In its efforts to address gaps in the Measles and Rubella (MR) vaccination coverage affected by the recent COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services are gearing up for a nation-wide MR vaccination campaign for all children ages 6 to 59 months old from 19th July when the national roll out will commence.
Minister Agovaka conveyed the Solomon Islands appreciation to the EU for its long-standing relationship with the Solomon Islands and as one of the country’s multilateral development partner.

Outgoing EU Ambassador Visits Supervising Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade

The outgoing Ambassador of the European Union to the Solomon Islands, His Excellency Sujiro Seam paid a final visit to the Supervising Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Hon. Peter Shanel Agovaka.
Plans are now in place to further increase the number of Solomon Islands workers joining the schemes, moving up to higher paid jobs in other sectors and not just in the horticulture and viticulture industry

Plans in Place to Increase Participation to Labor Mobility

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade’s Labour Mobility Unit (LMU) aims to further increase and expand Solomon Islands’ participation under the Labour Mobility Arrangements with Australia and New Zealand.
Two female Environment and Biodiversity officers of HEC actively participating in a site inspection.

Tina Hydro Project Records Increase in Female Employment

Hyundai Engineering Company (HEC), the engineering procurement construction (EPC) contractor of the Tina River Hydropower Development Project has recorded an increase in the number of its female employees in the first quarter of 2023, as the project progresses.
As of last week, drugs and consumables are being loaded to the Medical Store for replenishment and will improve the current shortage of drugs experienced.

Shortage of Medical Drugs Addressed

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) has noted concerns and experiences raised and shared via print and social media over shortages of some medical drugs including delays with release of medical containers held at Solomon Ports throughout last week.
Under the Child and Family Welfare Act 2017, social welfare officers are mandated or empowered to case manage all the Child Protection cases that are reported to ensure that children are protected from further harm and are safe.

Child Protection Case Management Training a Success

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Social Welfare Division (SWD) in partnership with UNICEF have successfully completed a Child Protection Case Management training for key staff in Honiara.
Jina's restaurant will provide 140,000 meals at the Main Dining Hall for athletes, team officials, technical officials, broadcasters and catering workforce during Games time.

Jina's Restaurant Awarded Master's Caterer for Games

The 2023 Pacific Games Organizing Committee (GOC) has announced that local catering service provider, Fairyland (Jinas) Restaurant is the official Master Caterer for this year’s Sol2023 Pacific Games.
Once eligible, around 200 long-term Seasonal workers will soon be able to bring their immediate family members to Australia.

PALM Soon to Include Family Accompaniment Pilot Program

The Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme will soon include a Family Accompaniment pilot program.
Savings meeting utilizing the World Vision's innovative Savings for Transformation (S4T) model, promoting financial inclusion and driving positive change within the community.

EU Visits Project Sites in Small Ngella

A European Union and World Vision team visited project sites in Small Ngella, Central Province, Solomon Islands.
Domestic tourist spend an estimated 713,600 SBD per month on entrance fees, accommodation and other services, adding up to 8.5 million SBD per year, the equivalent of 530 full time jobs.

West Guadalcanal Beach Fronts to Receive Support

As part of the Pacific Games preparations, the Solomon Islands Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT) has been tasked with improving tourism attractions around Honiara, in particular the beaches in West Guadalcanal.
The arrival of Pacific Explorer into Honiara yesterday created excitement amongst the locals and provided a boost to the local economy.

Data Shows Increase in Visitors to Solomon Islands

Recently released data for Solomon Islands visitors for the first quarter of 2023 has shown more arrivals than the same period in 2020 before the country initiated a border closure and was completely cut off from the world for more than 800 days.
Mr. Sisiolo was the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Public Service prior to taking up his new role as Sectary to Cabinet following the retirement of former STC James Remobatu.

Sisiolo is New Secretary to Cabinet

The new Secretary to Cabinet Mr. Nego Sisiolo has been sworn-in by the Governor General Sir David Vunagi at Government House.
The Pacific Games will held in Honiara, Solomon Islands from 19 November to 2 December 2023.

130 Public Servants Approved to Support Games

The Solomon Islands Cabinet has approved the Secondment of One Hundred and Thirty (130) Public Servants, Teachers and State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) officers to the Games Organizing Committee to support the successful delivery of the Pacific Games 2023.
The Maritime officers are currently undergoing an Accountability, Authority and Responsibility (AAR) training as part of the requirement, followed by two weeks training on Glock pistols.

RSIPF Maritime Rearmed with Glock Pistol

The Maritime Department of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) is now rearmed with Glock pistols as part of the rearmament program.
The Entrepreneurship Bootcamp was attended by 25 youths from Makira, with a focus on instilling the values of entrepreneurship in the local context of the Solomon Islands.

YECSI Held Successful Bootcamp in Makira

The Young Entrepreneurs Council Solomon Islands (YECSI) have successfully completed a three-day Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for youths in Kirakira, Makira.
The refurbishment and upgrade of the Munda airport is only one part of the two phases of the SBD1.1 billion SIRAP and SIRAPII work that is being financed by the World Bank through the International Development Association (IDA), the World Bank’s fund for countries most in need.

Munda Airport Upgrade Progressing Well

Munda is now better connected to the country and the rest of the world through the government run, World Bank supported Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP).
Since venturing into the Seasonal Workers programme, locals have remitted more than SBD72 million back into the country.

More Workers Receive Pre-Departure Briefing

114 workers who are preparing to travel to Australia under the Pacific-Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme have attended a two days’ Pre-Departure Briefing (PDB) conducted by the Labour Mobility Unit (LMU) within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade.
Through the Strongim Education Project (SET), World Vision Solomon Islands is supporting five schools in the Makira Province.

Teachers Learn about Inclusive Education

Inclusive education knowledge to teachers is vital to ensure all children enjoy their learning and that no child is left out of education opportunities.
The school improvement project was launched and dedicated by retired pastor Lawrence Tanabose, a former general secretary for the South Pacific Division.

Tagibangara Adventist Primary Receives Technology Upgrade

Professional development for teachers at a Solomon Islands school has been significantly enhanced with the installation of internet technology.
Makira Ulawa Provincial Premier, Julian Makaa joined the sites visit to the allocated proposed sites for the agricultural development infrastructures.

Makira, a Key Partner to Agriculture

The Solomon Islands Agriculture and Rural Transformation (SIART) project team and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) recently visited proposed agricultural development sites in Kira Kira, Makira Ulawa Province.
Global Fund has been a crucial donor partner of the Ministry of Health with its efforts in combating malaria and Tuberculosis.

Health Delegation Meets Global Fund Team

The Global Fund, a significant partner to the Solomon Islands Health sector is an international financing and partnership organization with the goal to attract, leverage and invest more resources to end epidemics of HIV/AIDs, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
Gizo Vegetable market in the Western Province, Solomon Islands are providing traditional coconut baskets for shoppers as part of the little town's initiative to go plastic free.

Solomon Islands Calls For Reduction on Global Plastic Production

The pristine beaches, vibrant forests and colourful reefs of 992 islands of the Solomon Islands are threatened by increasing plastic litter arriving on its shores, and from discarded plastic waste locally.
At present, work on the access roads to the dam site and power station are progressing in preparation for the main construction works to commence mid 2023.

Biodiversity ESMP Approved for Tina River Project

After years of preparation work, the final construction Environmental and Safeguard Management Plan (C-ESMP) for the Tina River Hydropower Development Project (TRHDP) has been approved.
The “FAO-Thiaroye Technology” is an innovative technology that empowers fisherwomen to own and operate profitable fish businesses.

PNG Women's Groups Embrace New Technology in Fish Processing

Fisherwomen in Papua New Guinea can now benefit from an innovative fish processing technology to efficiently smoke and market their fish.
These firetrucks will replace the RSIPF Fire and Rescue’s ageing fleet and will enable RSIPF firefighters to respond efficiently to fire, rescue and hazardous incidents.

Police Force Receive Firetrucks

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) has received four firetrucks from the Fire and Rescue New South Wales (FRNSW), which will improve the RSIPF’s Fire and Rescue capability.

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